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Executive Director Letter 12/14/21

New Leadership for the MD State Arts Council

Those of us at GBCA wish to extend our warmest congratulations to Steven Skerritt-Davis. Last Friday, the Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz and Maryland State Arts Council Chair Jacqueline Copeland (also a GBCA Board member) announced Steven as the next executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC).

Thanks to MSAC’s exceptional stewardship of the State’s funding for the arts, and the skilled advocacy of Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Maryland ranks third in per capita spending on arts and culture in the country! Not only that, but MSAC’s commitment to challenging and changing historically inequitable practices has made them an example for others in government and philanthropy to admire and emulate.

We are grateful to the Governor and MD’s General Assembly for their investment in the arts throughout Maryland.

In addition to funding valuable operating support, MSAC was an early supporter of Urban Arts Leadership. Over the years, they have not wavered, with their most recent grant being awarded to UAL just last week. It has meant a great deal to GBCA to know that MSAC is in our corner, and that they value the long-term dedication required to create greater equity in the field.

A longtime arts advocate and performer with more than 20 years experience in the arts sector, Skerritt-Davis will take on his new role tomorrow, following the six-month tenure holding the position in an interim capacity.

As for other programs at GBCA, we are in the final countdown for artists to complete their Baker Artist Portfolio to be eligible for one of the 2022 Baker Artist Awards. The final deadline is this Friday, December 17th at 5:00pm. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to our terrific team of David London and Luca Mochi for technical assistance. You can reach them both at [email protected]

We are also ramping up for the next class of Urban Arts Leadership! The Fellowship application will go live on January 3.

I hope you are taking time for rest, restoration, and joy during this busy, busy time.

My best,

Jeannie

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